Best new tech for your home

The idea of the "connected home" is taking off in a big way, and this year we see even more smart appliances on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). These promising new appliances hope to save you time and money, and help make your life a little bit easier.
Wireless Blender
We saw a bunch of interesting small appliances at this year’s show. Possibly the coolest: Haier was showing off a wireless kitchen countertop blender. This futuristic gadget uses coupling technology to remotely receive energy via a transmitter, so you don’t have to crowd your counter with unsightly wires whether making a smoothie or just leaving the blender on the counter for display. It's only available in Asia for now, but we hope to see this appliance stateside someday soon.
Portable Fridge

Whirlpool's FreshConnect cooling system may be just a concept right now, but we love the idea of portable micro-refrigeration. The setup consists of totable, battery-powered units that can change temperature and humidity settings on the fly (and be customized to contents, like meats, fruits, or frozen foods).
If one is placed outside the front door, it could hold grocery deliveries until you get home. In the house, a compartment could allow you to keep snacks cold in the family room or drinks in the dining room. Whirlpool suggests this could even be a great way to create ideal conditions for growing plants. We're excited to see what other great applications this system could have in the future.

DIY Home Monitoring
It's easier than ever to set up your own home surveillance system as web-enabled cameras and arrays become less expensive, easier to install, and more feature-rich. ClearView's IPPTZ-87 camera records in high definition for clear streaming video and features two-way audio capabilities (for chats with loved ones while you're on the road). You can set it up with a motion sensor if you don't want ongoing video and monitor your home via the web or Clearview's app for iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows Phone. The camera will be available in the first quarter of 2013 and retail for $399.
Wirelessly Controlled Lighting

Up to 25 percent of the energy used in your home can be consumed by lighting, according to GreenWave; their new Energy Star certified LED bulbs are one easy solution to cut those costs through smart management. These lights come with Internet connectivity built in to connect seamlessly with your phone, laptop, and even your TV (if it has Web capabilities). Using GreenWave's app, you can merely turn the lights in your home on and off, or program them to adapt to outdoor light levels, motion sensors, or even adjust the color of the lighting based on the time of day.
The bulbs were announced in late 2012 and are available in Europe now (with a U.S. release soon to follow).
Smarter Washing Machine

 

Ever wish your washer could fix itself? You're in luck! LG has expanded its Smart ThinQ product line to include its latest line of washing machines. The new models are equipped with LG's Smart Diagnosis, which will alert you to technical issues and allow you to run diagnostics on the appliance without a technician present.
The new washers are also outfitted with a handy Smart Adapt technology, so you can "download" new wash cycles as your laundry needs change (like a "Baby Sanitize" cycle for a new little one in the house). And with Smart Access you can turn your machine off remotely (though not on, for safety reasons). The new units are smart grid-ready as well, to help you save money.
Plant Communicator

Take the guesswork out of watering with Moneual's Smart Communicator Plant Care SC3000. This monitor plugs right into the soil and keeps tabs on moisture and sunlight levels, and the plant's general health. You can hook it up to social media (Just think, a tree that tweets!) and it will alert you via the device's display screen or text message if your plant needs a little TLC.
Touchscreen Deadbolt

Keypad locks are nothing new, but Schlage's Touchscreen Deadbolt takes the technology to the next level. The touchscreen in this lock is capable of storing up to 30 custom codes that can be tailored to specific times and days of the week or set to expire. The unit's built-in alarm technology will alert homeowners if someone tries to tamper with the lock or force the door to open, and users can lock and unlock the door remotely with Schlage's app or via Nexia's smart home hub. The deadbolt will be available mid-January for $199-$299.
Flexible Refrigerator

It never seems like you can have enough fridge or freezer space when company's coming over. Samsung is hoping to make hosting a little easier with the 32 cu. ft.-capacity T9000 four-door refrigerator. This model is a French-door refrigerator on top, with dual compartments on the bottom — a freezer, and a flexible section that can be used for fresh food storage or as additional freezer space.
The fridge is also outfitted with a display for apps and recipes. Expect to see this premium model in stores in spring 2013, retailing for $3,999.
Home Healthcare

Whether it's watching your own vitals or keeping tabs on a loved one, the ability to monitor your healthcare without having to see doctor can be a real time (and worry) saver. Bosch’s Health Buddy allows care providers to keep track of the most crucial patient statistics remotely via user-friendly device and simple-to-navigate desktop application. The health management programs cover a range of range of conditions from chronic illnesses to post-discharge recovery and pair health education and position reinforcement with symptom review and vital-sign monitoring. Information can be transmitted to care providers multiple times a day.
Connected Home Hub

Smart appliances are less helpful when you have to have a different app for every device in your house. Companies like Nexia are looking to fill that need with a single hub to manage all of your home tech. Nexia's system lets you integrate a broad range of compatible devices using their straightforward online and mobile dashboard as a home command center. Right now, the smart home system covers services ranging from door locks and video surveillance to heating and cooling systems and lighting, and Nexia is continuing to bring on more partners.

Starter kits are available now and subscriptions begin at $8.99 per month.

Why it’s time to upgrade your wireless router

Chances are you set up a wireless network in your home for a single task, such as enabling a laptop to access the Internet without having to use a cable.

Over the years, numerous other devices have entered the scene that can use your home’s Wi-Fi network -- HDTVs for streaming movies and accessing the Internet, printers, tablets, video game systems, ebook readers, media players and more.

Can your network handle this increased demand?

If it’s been a few years since you installed a wireless router, the answer is probably no. The latest routers feature 802.11n technology (compared to the older 802.11g/b), which offers faster speeds -- especially ideal for streaming video and playing multiplayer games.

Some models also have multiple antennae, sometimes referred to as dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds), to better handle a number of wireless devices at the same time.

These new 802.11n routers offer a broader range, easier setup and better security. Speaking of security, remember to password-protect your wireless network (see below).

The good news is you don’t need to break the bank to pick up a new wireless router, as prices start at about $15 for an 802.11n model capable of streaming up to 150 megabits per second. Wireless routers than can handle up to 300 Mbps speeds start at about $35 and routers with speeds up to 450 Mbps typically start at $70 and go up to $150.

To recap, there are five good reasons to consider the upgrade:

1. Faster speeds: Newer routers can handle streaming high-def video, multiplayer games.
2. Broader distance: Access the Internet anywhere in your home or on a porch or backyard deck.
3. Support for more wireless devices: Connect a couple dozen devices without fear of noticeable slowdown.
4. Better security: Newer routers offer more secure ways to safeguard your network and information.
5. Simpler setup: The latest routers are easier to setup, offering interview-like questions for users to click through.

Stop your neighbors from stealing your Wi-Fi

On a relate note, while routers are getting easier to set up than ever before, you should still ensure you're taking precautions to prevent other people from using your wireless network without your consent.

Not only does this slow down your connection, but if uninvited guests download illegal content you’re liable unless proven otherwise, plus it also puts your own data at an increased risk. And if you have a monthly data cap, your neighbors might be prematurely pushing you towards your limit.

What to do?

When setting up your wireless network, you’ll typically get a choice to secure your connection with WEP, WPA or WPA2.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is the oldest wireless security protocol out of the three, and it has the most known security flaws. Using WEP is better than no protection at all, of course, but inferior to WPA and WPA2.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) was introduced after WEP and combines two different security protocols to create a more resilient alternative to WEP. But it didn’t take long for hackers to find and exploit weaknesses inherent with WPA.

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2) adds another layer of technology called Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to secure the connection against unwanted outsiders. Couple this with creating a strong password and this is the most secure wireless protocol to go with.

Apple reportedly prepping 4.8-inch iPhone for June debut

Among the less believable Apple (AAPL) rumors that have emerged from the Far East in recent weeks is a report suggesting Apple is preparing to launch a “phablet” this summer to compete with large-screened Android smartphones. China Times issued the claims on Monday, suggesting that a third new iPhone handset will launch in 2013 aside from the “iPhone 5S” and Apple’s new cheaper iPhone. The publication called this upcoming device the “iPhone Math,” and said it may launch in June with a 4.8-inch display. China Times added that the iPhone 5S will debut ahead of the holidays with a 12-megapixel camera, while the new less-expensive iPhone model and the new iPhone phablet will launch this summer.

7 Apps You Don't Want To Miss

Temple Run 2

Imangi Studios released the sequel to its popular endless-runner game Temple Run this week, aptly named Temple Run 2. Currently available only for iOS devices, the game is addictive as ever, sporting updated graphics and new characters and obstacles.

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It can be tough to keep up with all the new apps released every week. But you're in luck -- we take care of that for you, creating a roundup each weekend of our favorite new and updated apps.
This week an addictive mobile game released a sequel, and a popular musical artist became the hero in another.
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One airline released an app that's bound to make your next flight much more interesting, and another company unveiled a newsreader app that will make keeping up with things that are important to you even easier.
Take a look at the gallery above for a look at this week's app highlights.
Still looking for more? Check out our top apps from 2012 for more great apps worth a look. Think we left a great new app off the list? Let us know about your own app highlights from this week in the comments below.
Photo courtesy iStockphoto, scanrail.
This story originally published on Mashable here.

Rumored Xbox 720 specs: 8-core processor, 8GB of RAM, 800MHz GPU

Console gamers frustrated that their Xbox isn’t holding up well compared to high-end gaming PCs can relax a bit, because it looks like the next-generation Xbox is going to be a monster. It seems that website VGleaks has gotten ahold of leaked specifications for the Xbox 720, which it says will include an 8-core 1.6GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, an 800MHz graphics processor, a 50GB 6x Blu-ray Disc drive, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. The leaked specifications are in line with previous rumors that also gave the next-generation Xbox an 8-core processor and 8GB of RAM, so there’s nothing overly surprising about VGleaks‘ report. The Xbox 720 will likely be announced at the E3 gaming convention this June and will be released in the fall.

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